INEFFECTIVE
Dictionary entry overview: What does ineffective mean?
• INEFFECTIVE (adjective)
The adjective INEFFECTIVE has 3 senses:
1. not producing an intended effect
2. lacking in power or forcefulness
3. lacking the ability or skill to perform effectively; inadequate
Familiarity information: INEFFECTIVE used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• INEFFECTIVE (adjective)
Meaning:
Not producing an intended effect
Synonyms:
ineffective; ineffectual; uneffective
Context examples:
an ineffective teacher / ineffective legislation
Similar:
toothless (lacking necessary force for effectiveness)
unproductive (not producing desired results)
Also:
useless (having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully)
powerless (lacking power)
inefficient (not producing desired results; wasteful)
inefficacious (lacking the power to produce a desired effect)
idle (not in action or at work)
Attribute:
effectiveness; effectivity; effectuality; effectualness (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Antonym:
effective (producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect)
Meaning:
Lacking in power or forcefulness
Synonyms:
ineffective; ineffectual; unable
Context examples:
an ineffectual ruler / like an unable phoenix in hot ashes
Similar:
impotent (lacking power or ability)
Meaning:
Lacking the ability or skill to perform effectively; inadequate
Synonyms:
inefficient; ineffective
Context examples:
an ineffective administration / inefficient workers
Similar:
incompetent (not qualified or suited for a purpose)
